“I am more keen on doing films and stage”- Astad Kale
Television gives you name and fame. One such youngster from Pune is Astad Kale, who is more known as a Marathi television actor. Astad, who during his earlier years was trained in classical music, did perform in classical plays, including Paresh Mokashi directed classical play ‘Lagna Kallol‘. He was actively associated with Marathi stage in Pune, till he found suitable roles in Marathi serials ‘Oon Paus‘, ‘Vadalvaat‘ followed by ‘Asambhav‘, ‘Agnihotra‘, ‘Pudhcha Paul‘ and so on. Presently, he is playing lead role in ongoing TV serial ‘Saraswati‘.
Astad has also performed in films like ‘Platform‘( In lead role) besides, ‘Mission Possible‘ and ‘Nirop‘. His next film ‘Damlelya Babachi Kahani‘ in the lead role opposite Sanskruti Balgude, is all set to release on 24th June 2016. And obviously, Astad is excited about it. When Marathi Movie World met Astad recently, he frankly admitted that he was more keen on doing films and stage. “Television does help you reach every household in Maharashtra, but, when you perform on stage or in films, it’s a totally different experience,” he said.
Astad was unlucky not to find suitable roles in films, because film makers felt that he was too busy as a TV artiste. When we asked Astad, what he felt about the success achieved by the film ‘Sairat‘, he quickly reacted, ” ‘Sairat‘ has brought good days for Marathi films. I appreciate their success.” He concluded.
“I would love to work in more and more good films” – Sai Lokur
Born on 5th September 1989 in Belgaum, Sai Lokur completed her school education from Divine Providence High School and later finished her Jr. College from Gogate College of Commerce. It was after that she decided to take up career in acting and shifted to Mumbai, so that she could also complete her graduation from Ruparel College. Sai paid attention to her studies and acting simultaneously, as per her mother’s advice. Incidentally, Sai’s mother Veena Lokur is a producer- director of Marathi films.
Sai’s father is into poultry business and is busy marketing the eggs in South India, with Belgaum as his headquarters. Her mother keeps on shuttling between Belgaum and Mumbai for her work, while Sai lives with her sister, in Mumbai. Sai made her debut in Marathi films, through her mother’s own production ‘Platform’ and invited the attention of the audience with her fresh charming looks. Tall, slim, fit and young, she is sure to be the choice of many film and TV serial makers; but, Sai has been choosy about her roles. She wants to perform in more and more Marathi films, with good subjects. Marathi Movie World spoke to this glamorous actress, to know more about her journey from Belgaum to Mumbai.
Q: When you actually felt that you should make a career in acting ?
A: During my childhood, I always used to accompany my mother to various stage shows she produced and directed along with her team. Her production company took part in many state level competitions. Whenever, I were not performing on stage, I used to be at backstage, assisting the technical team for music or light effects. Somehow, I always wanted to be a part of the play. When I was in 3rd standard, I had performed the role of Shivaji during his childhood, in the play ‘Raigadala Jenvha Jaag Yete’. This play was performed all over Maharashtra and my role was also appreciated. It was during this time, I had decided to take up acting as career.
Q: And, what you have to say about your entry into films?
A: Acting in films was also not new to me. When I was in 7th standard, I performed in a Bollywood film ‘Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum kahen’ followed by a role in reputed film maker Sai Paranjape’s film ‘Pakada Gaya’. Thereafter, while I was studying in 10th class, I played a role in my Mother’s own film ‘Mission Champion’, which had won many awards. In all these three films, I played a child artiste. As an actress, I made my debut through ‘Platform’, which was directed by my mother. In fact, I would say that my mother has been instrumental in opening doors of acting for me.
Q: How do you assess your performance so far ?
A: In ‘Platform’ I played an 18 year old girl in the first half and in the second half played a 38 year old woman. Then it was ‘Parambi’, where I played a village girl, with a difference. After these two films, I played the role of a Judge, in E-tv’s reality show ‘Perfect Bachelor’ and it was a good experience.
Astad Kale- making his presence felt
Among all those youngsters who have entered Marathi TV serials in the recent past, Astad kale has successfully managed to survive the competition. Originally from Pune, he began his acting career with Marathi stage play ‘Lagna Kallol’, which was directed by Paresh Mokashi. Having received a break at the right time, he went on to perform in many experimental and commercial plays.Not many people are aware of his talent in Hindustani Classical Music, on the basis of which he was offered some of the roles in Marathi classical plays. Astad has rendered lot of classical songs in these classical plays. The best part was when he sang Sant Tukaram’s abhang in ‘Jyacha Tyacha Vithoba’.Watching his performance in various stage plays, he was offered suitable roles by Shrirang Godbole in TV serials. ‘Vadalvaat’, ‘Asambhav’
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Q: Are you based in Pune?
A: I lived in Pune since my childhood. But, after doing my graduation from Fergusson College, Pune, I shifted to Mumbai. For the past 7 years, I am living here.Q: Is ‘Platform’ your first film as a hero ?
A: Yes, it is my first film in the lead role, though I have performed in many Marathi films, in important roles.Q: What’s the role you are playing in this film?
A: I am playing Aditya, who is a protagonist. He is a close friend of Shivani and is always supportive to her during their college days till their first job assignment. He leaves for US to pursue his career, but is in constant touch with his girlfriend for 11 years, since she is occupied with some social responsibility here in India.Q: You have been a classical singer for a long time. How come we missed you in celebrities show on SaReGaMaPa?
A: Yes, I am good at classical singing. If you feel that I missed that programme, you will see me soon, in such programmes in future.
Q: How do you look at success in this acting field ?
A: Success is achieved through hard work besides talent. One should be passionate about acting. If you do well in one performance, you will be remembered by others.
‘Platform’ addresses issue on Girl child abuse
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Rating: na
Producers: Veena Lokur And Arif Vadgama Director, Story, Dialogues: Veena Lokur Screenplay: Veena Lokur, Shamal Chavan Lyrics: Ashwini Shende Music: Nilesh Moharir Editor: Rajesh Rao Cinematographer: Suresh Deshmane Cast : Mohan Joshi, Sharad Ponkshe, Astad Kale, Prashant Patil, Shubhani Joshi & Sai Lokur Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
After achieving success through her first Marathi production ‘Mission Champion’, Film maker Veena Lokur from Belgaum has now offered one more sensible film ‘Platform'; which speaks about the Girl child abuse in India. Veena Lokur, who also makes her debut as a director through this film, has gone beyond the subject of Female foeticide to show the reality in our society, where girl child is still considered as a burden by the parents; especially in the weaker section of the society.
Through this film, Veena Lokur has launched her daughter Sai, who plays an important central role of Shivani Deshmukh, from a well to do family. Shivani, who is a final year college student, is about to find a campus recruitment and is returning home after attending a workshop; when she witness a horrifying act of parents, who just drop their two daughters into her compartment and run away, as the train leaves a platform after the halt.
Shivani (Sai Lokur) who takes the lead to hand over the girls to the Police, when she reaches her destination. But, she is deserted by all her friends. It is only her best friend Aditya (Astaad kale), who supports her and the two little girls ( aged 4 and 5 yrs) are taken to the Police station. But, at the Police station they experience the reality about the law, besides the child abuse. However, Aditya’s father (Sharad Ponkshe) being a lawyer, suggests them a way out. It looks like all roads are closed for Sai , as the parents of the missing girls cannot be traced. Shivani takes up the custoday of the two girls, much against the wish of her parents (Mohan Joshi and Veena Lokur).
When, Aditya also notices Shivani going out of the way to help the girls and getting emotionally involved in them, he too loses interest in her and leaves for US to take up a job.
He however, keeps in touch with Shivani over phone like a good friend. Shivani separates from her parents and adopts the girls. She takes good care of them, by offering good education for next 11 years. When the girls attain teenage, a particular incident in their life takes them to their past. Shivani has to reveal the true happenning. This is almost towards the climax of the film, when director Veena Lokur concludes her story with an appropriate end.
The film has a strong subject to convey, but to show the actual happening on the platform, her screenplay takes its own time. It is only little before interval, the film actually takes the momentum. To fill up the gaps in the first session, the director has taken help of music, with the inclusion of two songs. Lyricist Ashwini Shende’s fine wordings have received the composition from talented music director Nilesh Moharir.
Cinematographer Suresh Deshmane’s wonderful work is clearly visible, especially in the outdoors. His execution with different camera angles has made the job of director much easier. Being a debutant, Veena Lokur has done her best.
Newcomer Sai Lokur, who also makes her debut as an actress, looks more confident and appealing. She has performed the role of a protagonist with sincerity. Astaad kale, who also plays the leading man for the first time, is at ease and perfectly fits into that role of Aditya. Mohan Joshi and Sharad Ponkshe in the role of parents have nothing much to offer, but they have played their respective roles well. Veena Lokur is just fine in the role of sai’s mother in the film and so are the other characters of the film. The two child artistes and the grown up girls have performed their parts well. The film has already won the State Government award as one of the best films this year. But, to be eligible for international awards, it requires editing, especially in the three songs, except one background and few unwanted scenes in the first session. However, ‘Platform’ does succeed in passing a social message at the most appropriate time. This being a sincere effort from the lady film maker, it is to be appreciated.
‘Platform’ addresses issues beyond female foeticide
‘Platform’ addresses issues beyond female foeticide
Writer-producer-director Veena Lokur was all smiles today to see a big turnout of media persons for the press conference to announce the release date of her forthcoming Marathi film ‘Platform’. The film will be released initially at Mumbai and Pune on 15th July 2011. Having already won the State Government’s award for best film and best direction, the film was also shown at Asian International Film festival and MAMI film festival and was well received.
Having been associated with Marathi Theatre in Belgaum for the past 30 years, ‘Platform’ is her second Marathi film as a producer. The first being ‘Mission Champion’ which won 14 awards. Through this film she makes her debut as a director. Through this film Veena is also launching her daughter Sai Lokur and therefore she was looking for a powerful script which she found after witnessing an incident while travelling in a train.
The film deals with the sensational subject of female foeticide indicating gross violation of women’s rights. As a film maker, Veena has gone beyond this subject to send across a strong message to the world. “When I thought that it was the right time
to launch my daughter, I was looking for a strong subject. I was well aware of her abilities, as she had worked with me in theatre for the past few years. When I finalised this script, we began work on it and successfully completed it with a good team work,” she said.
Present on the occasion were Sharad Ponkshe, Sai Lokur, Astad Kale, Prashant Patil, Lyricist Ashwini Shende, Music director Nilesh Moharir and Cinematographer Suresh Deshmane. Promo of the film was also shown, giving a clear hint that through the film, she wanted to send across a message. The film does have some moments of love, sacrifice and commitment to the society. There are total four songs in the film to meet the requirement of music for its commercial success too.
When Actor Sharad Ponkshe, was poked by a media person, asking him as to how he managed working in different areas at the same time, the straightforward and frank actor replied, stating that he was not Aamir Khan to act in one project at a time. “I am not that big to make a choice. I take whatever roles that come to me, whether it is television or films. May be some roles are bad, but I can’t help. Actually, I feel, this system of offering subsidy to all Marathi film makers should be stopped. It is for this reason, there is no quality. Anyone, who can raise Rs.30-35 lakhs, makes a film and recovers the same by selling different rights and claims the subsidy to recover the cost. Personally, I am of the opinion that there should be less number but quality Marathi films produced instead of 70-80 ordinary films a year,” he reacted spontaneously.
While speaking to MMW, after the press meet, Ms. Veena Lokur stated that she was confident about what she was offering and looked forward to media support. “I have decided my release date, which will not be changed, even if any big banner Bollywood movie is released around that time,” she added.
Imagination is the key – Nilesh Mohrir
Almost 21 title songs of popular serials, 14 non film music albums and music for 7 movies. What more one could have asked for ask for from a young music composer Nilesh Mohrir ? This youngster has not only received prestigious awards in a short span but has also been felicitated with some big honours like Anil mohile Purskar, Yuwa Gaurav Purskar, Kala Gaurav, Manavata Gaurav and many others in appreciation of his music.
While doing his graduation in Music and Sound recording from Mumbai University, Nilesh had the privilege of learning the basics from Anil Mohile and Achyuta Thakur. Then, he brought out many private albums with reputed companies like Times, Fountain, Sagarika and Krunal. Besides that he also worked as Music arranger. However, he got a boost to his career when he got an opportunity to provide title song to Zee Marathi’s ‘Kalat Nakalat’. And, that’s how Nilesh became a popular name in every Maharashtrian house.
There was no stopping for him after that as serial makers lined up at his place. For the past five years he has been providing quality music and title songs for every serial he has done. Looking at his film journey, how can we forget that beautiful composition rendered by Rahul Vaidya and Vaishali in ‘Yanda Kartavya Aahe’? His recently released film ‘Manya-The Wonder Boy’, also speaks about his hard work and dedication, while offering relevant tunes required for the purpose. Especially, his background score in this film invites
MMW had a chit chat with Nilesh to know more about his achievements and his future plans.
Q: How did you land into this field and whether it was your own decision to take up this career?
A: To tell the truth, till my college days, I wasn’t sure whether I would be seriously taking up this as my career. During that period, I used to listen to music and even performed as a singer. But, during 1994-95 when I heard songs composed by A.R. Rehman for the film ‘Bombay’, I was inspired and also thought that one day I should also be able to produce such a kind of music. Since then, I stated believing Rehman as my guru and focused on all such requirements to study music in detail.
Q: Oh! That means he is your ideal ?
A: Yes.
Q: Now we find so many new music directors mixing up Western Music with Hip-rock and South pattern and fitting into it the Marathi lyrics. Don’t you think so ?
A: (Smiles) True. In some cases it does happen. But, if you ask my personal opinion, I would say that between experiment and imagination, it’s imagination that is important. If you don’t imagine and keep working within the four walls, then many a times you fail with your experiments and I would not like to be a part of it. Whenever I compose music, I ensure that when a western or non-marathi genre is used, the suitable matching lyrics are to be incorporated to meet the requirement.
Q: But, for the past 5-6 years we have been observing that all these new songs are based on South film songs or English pop.
A: Actually, if it is based on South style, it is okay as it has our own regional base. But, if the songs are composed using those foreign instruments, then it misses the Marathi essence. For such compositions, care is to be taken that the sound of instruments should not cover up the singer’s voice. In short, the song should convey the sentiments through words effectively.
Q: In the past, we have seen the Music directors getting the name and fame. But, now days, though people remember the songs of new music directors, they tend to forget their names. Don’t you think so ?
A: Exactly. This is a very big topic of discussion. There are many reasons, but basically the condition of music directors is almost the same as that of Marathi Cinema. In spite of availability of so many mediums, Marathi songs are not reaching to the people. In the past Akashwani used to be the best option open to play Marathi songs, which were heard in full length. But, today we see the dominance of Hindi on all radio channels, where even an average song is played repeatedly to make it popular. For Marathi songs, there is no such option. Many of my best compositions therefore haven’t reached people. Those who know me, is only because of my title songs for Marathi serials, as I have managed to reach their homes
Q: The present generation is Net savvy . Like Mobiles and television, the internet has become a part of their life. Then, why you are not using this medium for promotion of music?
A: Right, today because of internet so many good things are happening. Like me, there are many other newcomers who are making best use of internet. But, to make Marathi music popular among them, it will certainly take some more time.
Q: Which is your favourite song composed till now ?
A: To be frank, my latest song ‘Nur ada, Nur ada’ in the film ‘Manya-The Wonder Boy’ is my favourite composition. Even my media friends have appreciated it and I have been receiving compliments from well wishers for the same
Q: After ‘Manya’ what’s more in films? Are we expecting some more title songs?
A: I have composed music for three more Marathi films namely: ‘Partner’ , ‘Platform’ and ‘Nirruttar’. Among them ‘Partner’ is based on Va Pu Kale’s novel. ‘Platform’ has already been acclaimed at film festivals. For 2-3 forthcoming TV serials, I am composing title songs.
Q: Great! We are all eager to see your compositions filled with melody.
A: Thanks.